Philadelphia health officials alert travelers to possible measles exposure at airport

Philadelphia health officials announced a possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport on Sunday evening, affecting terminals B and F and connecting corridors to terminals C, D and E. The exposure occurred between 7:25 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 12:05 a.m. the following day, involving a traveler who did not leave the airport premises.

The Department of Public Health advised anyone who may have been in the affected areas and is not fully vaccinated, uncertain about vaccination status, an infant, pregnant, or immunocompromised to contact a healthcare provider promptly. It noted that some individuals might still be eligible for post-exposure treatment that can prevent or lessen the disease.

"Anyone who is not immune, is unsure of their vaccination status, is an infant, is pregnant and not immune, or is immunocompromised should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible," the department said.

The agency also urged anyone developing measles-like symptoms to call ahead before visiting a medical facility and to mention the possible exposure. City Health Commissioner Palak Raval-Nelson emphasized the importance of up-to-date vaccinations, stating that fully vaccinated residents face little risk and help protect vulnerable populations.

"Every Philadelphian who is fully vaccinated has little to fear from the situation at CHOP and the airport. Even more importantly, every one of those people is doing their part to help protect our most vulnerable from measles," Raval-Nelson said.

Pennsylvania is experiencing its largest measles outbreak this year, with more than 760 confirmed cases and four deaths, primarily centered in Lancaster County and spreading to Chester County and other regions. Health officials highlighted that two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective, and that roughly nine out of ten unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become ill.